I had an AWESOME experience. I went there for summer camp and immediately knew this was where I…read morewanted to go. I started taking lessons and now I volunteer and I'm on show team. Everyone there Is so nice and they always make sure that you are safe. They have amazing stable hands and great trainers. It's a great place for experienced and inexperienced riders. All of the horses are so nice and there Is always someone to help. Wildwind is like a family to me and is the best out of all of the stables I've been too. I came there with very little experience and within 4 months I was already showing. My riding really has gotten better. The office gets back to you super fast and has a super friendly environment no matter your age.

We really wanted to like this place. I've debated whether or not to write this review but my…read moredaughter hasn't been able to shake the bad feelings she has and neither can I. Initially we were impressed by the "everyone belongs" talk but the owners seem like they are annoyed and tired of children. They were impatient and annoyed at riders for simple mistakes like dropping a crop while mounting or needing to adjust stirrups. Lots of sighing and eye rolling and groaning and snark. The teaching method (in a beginning level class, not high level competition riders) was constantly things like "WHY ARE YOU DOING THAT?" and "THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR YOU TO BE DOING THAT". In my daughter's words "they don't help you fix your problems, they just yell at you for having them." The indoor is very small and dark and it's almost impossible to properly space out 6 horses/riders (esp. with jumps set up) and the kids were constantly being yelled at for not spacing their horses properly. Many of the horses are lazy and my daughter and other kids were yelled at constantly for not getting their horses more forward- these horses were often on their second or third lesson of the day by that time. We chatted with some adult students who expressed similar frustrations about the horses being lazy. We also witnessed a teacher repeatedly berating a young rider with disabilities who was clearly struggling with her physical coordination. To be fair, there ARE multiple instructors here and not all of them are like this. When we didn't purchase another lessons package, intending to just quietly walk away because this was not a good fit for us, we were called into the office before her last class and held hostage for 45 minutes. I was lectured and talked down to, and they kept repeating that she wanted a more "difficult horse" because we expressed concern about the laziness issue. I was told that if she couldn't get the lazy horse to go forward then she's not a good enough rider and shouldn't have been in that class (even though one of the trainers evaluated her and placed her there) and we were told that nobody should be in a beginning jump class (jumping crossrails) unless and until they have mastered flying lead changes! Without knowing us at all or having ever seen my horse or seen me ride, I was also lectured about my horse who was scheduled to be put into training with the trainer on staff (ended up not happening due to medical issues). I was accused of not knowing anything about horses or my horse because "most people who put their horses in training think their horses are great and they overestimate their abilities and underestimate their training needs". (She doesn't know us. At all!) When I mentioned that I was planning to sign up for some private lessons on my horse, *with the trainer* during the time he was in training there, I was told that I should not be allowed to ride my own horse while he is in training because I would "mess him up". There are some good people working here, but overall it felt like an abusive relationship. My daughter is terrified to take riding lessons again anywhere. I sincerely hope someone will take this review to heart and do some soul-searching to make their farm a welcoming and positive environment as they say they want it to be. We love horses and horse people and want to see everyone succeed.

I had a very good experience taking lessons at Willowbrooke. The people are friendly and helpful…read more The owner cares a lot about the horses in her care and I've always admired that she hosts many CANTER horses at her barn (a rehabilitation and rehoming organization for former racehorses). This is a great barn to go to if you don't have your own horse, as they have a large schooling program. The quality of the lessons definitely depends on who is giving them, but that's the case with most barns. It is a LARGE barn, which can be great if you like the opportunity to be in schooling shows and make friends at group lessons. However, it can also mean that you might feel like your individual needs and goals go un-noticed. You'll have to advocate for yourself and speak up if you need something.

I've been taking lessons there for years. Great horses, instructors, tackers and people!read more

Called to ask for some advice around my children and their ages and experience, trying to see if a…read moreride is a good idea. The lady on the phone asked me if I know how to use a website, and told me she would text me the website URL. I told her I had gotten her phone number from the website, I had already viewed their offerings, and I had some questions. She told me she was busy and I should go to the website to make any reservations. I reiterated that I had some questions around comfort level with horses, etc. She hung up. I get that you have a website. I am a developer who writes websites. But if you have a potential customer who has some questions around the services you offer, you should not be curt nor rude, and should not hang up when someone wants to ask whether you can give a ride to their 6-year-old.

This was an amazing experience! All 4 people on the hour long trail ride were novice riders. They…read moredid a great job of teaching how to control the horse, and support on the ride. The ride itself is amazing, you go through meadows, forests. If it's dry you will get dusty, be prepared. Most importantly in my review, their horses are treated well. Given regular medical and dental care, resting between rides, strict weight limits are different for each horse, they are really well cared for. They rescue 80% of their horses. Geriatric horses are sent to pasture not sent to auction. Just wanted to put that out there for fellow animal lovers.

What a wonderful place. The staff are engaged. The horses are well cared for. I am so happy this…read morestable is in southeastern Michigan!

Friendly and knowledgeable staff, clean attractive facility, and well kept horses. Appropriate for…read moreall levels of riders, from beginner to national level.

I'm a big fan of Free Spirit Farm! It's been a lifelong dream of mine to own a horse, and the next…read morebest thing is riding frequently and learning to ride properly. That's what I get to do here. I've ridden many of the horses and ponies and have always felt safe. Shae owns the barn, trains the horses, and teaches lessons. All of her horses are loved, well-cared for, and do well with riders at all levels. She is a patient instructor, cares about her clients, and is passionate about her business and horses in general. She's also a certified saddle fitter. Weather-permitting, lessons are outside year round. From the outdoor arena, there's a lovely view of a beautiful grassy field where the horses love to graze with a gorgeous tree-lined backdrop. During inclement weather (when it's simply too cold or rainy), there's a very nice, large indoor arena. Lessons are private and semi-private and priced fairly. Shae teaches all ages. I am super happy at this barn. I think the world of Shae as an instructor, trainer, business owner, and person. You're in good hands here, and if you enjoy it half as much as I do, your life will be brighter when you take equestrian lessons at Free Spirit .

I love riding here, everyday I learn new things everyday. The horses are very high quality and…read morecared for, they are in huge pastures and have a lot of space to be horses, cross country is huge and prices are prefect. The horses love there job and are always careful with there riders, very highly trained horses with kind souls, easy to catch and ride. Love it here, people are kind and care about each other and the horses, tack is taken care of and lessons are great, you go at your level and can watch others which is amazing, Carolyn is one of the nicest people I have meet, cares about her horses, barn, grounds, tack, and students, Everyone is welcome with open arms.

We have been to Cedar Ridge for many years know and the growth and development we have seen in our…read moreequestrian loving daughter has been huge. The environment is one of team work with the more experienced riders helping the younger riders helping to build confidence. The facilities are top notch and there are multiple paths to increase competence and competitiveness in riding. The barn offers camp, workshops, additional training opportunities, competitive shows, schooling shows, USPC membership, and a good network of parents and riders to build a community with. We started as a summer camper to "try it out" as we were looking for a new barn for our daughter to grow into. Needless to say we have never looked back, just an awesome place for budding riders to learn and develop as responsible equestrians.

After college, I wanted to get back into a sport I had previously done when I was kid, horseback…read moreriding! And boy howdy, let me tell you, I have NO regrets! Kay and Emily run a fantastic farm and they genuinely care about the well-being of their horses! Both of these women have a passion and drive to continually learn everything they can about the horse world. Anything from how to better the health of their horses to new dressage techniques. They also have experience in multiple disciplines of riding. One thing to note that many barns cannot say is that this farm is drama-FREE. Meadowlark has a laid-back and welcoming community. It is perfect for everyone of all ages and disciplines. Additionally, Meadowlark has a fantastic Horse Camp that's extremely popular - the spots fill up super fast! I have been riding with Emily for over 2 years now and it's amazing! She caters her teaching style to how her students learn best and has no problem answering questions. If you're on the fence about taking lessons or even bringing your child to Horse Camp. I encourage you to at least try it! I would recommend this farm to anyone! Give it a shot, you won't be disappointed!! :)

I approached Meadowlark interested in lessons. I didn't really know much about what that entailed…read moreas my experience is that every location in the area is totally different in their approach and what they can offer. They were really condescending and short, and said they couldn't assist. I am giving two stars as they said it politely, but it's just not a welcoming place to newcomers. It isn't a place you can go to learn as a newcomer.

Katie is an AMAZING instructor. She confidently and reassuringly taught my family to ride. We…read moreranged in age from 6-71. The horses were incredibly responsive and well cared for. I wished we lived closer so we could ride with them and take lessons from her more regularly.